Manila: Seven-time world champion Manny Pacquiao has submitted himself to a urine test on Wednesday pursuant to Nevada State Athletic Commission’s (NSAC) recent order for a test within 48-hours.
The dope test was held at Pacquiao’s mansion in General Santos City, by Dr. Alejandro Pineda of the Philippine Sports Commission. Pineda is accredited by the World Anti Doping Agency.
Pacquiao submitted urine samples contained in versapak canisters before heading to his daughter Queen Elizabeth’s birthday party.
Pineda said the samples, which will be tested against 30 performance enhancement drugs, will be sent to Malaysia.
He said the results will come out in two weeks.
Pacquiao, for his part, said he is confident that he will pass the test.
Based on NSAC orders
Pineda, accompanied by another doping control officer, arrived at the General Santos City Airport Wednesday morning based on the NSAC order for Pacquiao to submit to urine testing.
Pineda said the team arrived in General Santos at the request of the Nevada Athletic Commission. He said it was his first time to test Pacquiao.
Upon hearing Pineda’s arrival, Pacquiao’s mother, Mommy Dionesia, warned the doctor from sabotaging the test.
Pineda, however, assured that the test will follow a strict process.
“One is for notification, then awareness and fulfillment of procedural requirements. There will be careful handling of the specimen,” he explained.
NSAC steps into doping row
The NSAC was forced to step into the ongoing drug testing hullaballoo between the camps of Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
“I don't know if this will help the chances of the fight happening. But with all this talk of drug tests, let's actually do one,” NSAC executive director Keith Kizer said in an Agence France-Presse report.
The commission called on Pacquiao and Mayweather to submit to urine tests within 48 hours or else they would face possible fines or suspension.
The order on the urine testing is based on an out-of-competition testing regulation that went into effect in 2008.
The state of Nevada will pay for the tests, which cost about $150. The city of Las Vegas was chosen as the venue of the Pacquiao-Mayweather bout slated on March 13.
“That at least starts the ball rolling,” Kizer added. “We're always hopeful that when we do drug testing it comes back negative.”
